Banks quits to make music

published by Media on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 05:16

THE VALLEY, Anguilla, Jan 24, CMC – All-rounder Omari Banks, Anguilla’s first and only Test player, has announced his retirement from the professional game. The 29-year-old Banks is the son of the well-known Anguillan reggae singer and musician, Bankie Banx.

Throughout his cricket career, Banks also became known for his love for music with his guitar – in case – a constant companion and he often lugged the instrument around with him.

Over the last 12 months, Banks has been working hard on his music and feels now is the right time to leave the game and pursue his passion for music. His first single, “Move On”, will be part of his father’s upcoming album, “Just Cool”, due to be released on March 6.

Banks said that he was humbled by the support he had received throughout the years – both locally in Anguilla and throughout the world. He expressed heartfelt thanks to his family for their support and fans globally for making the game what it is.

Banks said he was proud and humbled to be part of such a prestigious fraternity as West Indies cricket, and wishes West Indies cricket and its loyal supporters the best for the future.

He was a regular member of the Leeward Islands team since 2000 and also turned out for Leicestershire and Somerset in the English County Championship.

Banks made his international debut for West Indies against Australia nine years ago in Barbados. He represented West Indies in 10 Tests, scoring 318 runs and bagging 28 wickets, with a best bowling at the Test level of four for 87.

Banks averaged 25.5 at the first-class level and took 204 first-class wickets. He also averaged 26.5 with the bat at Test level.

He was a past captain and vice captain of Leeward Islands and a top performer for his native Anguilla in the sub-regional championship.

Banks is probably best known at the Test level for his gritty batting as a rookie in a match-winning innings, helping West Indies complete the highest successful fourth innings chase in Test history of 418 for seven to beat the Australians in his debut series in Antigua.

In his native Anguilla, he currently works with youths as a physical education teacher.